Boat capsized: 1 fatality

Norman Rautenbach, NSRI Richards Bay duty coxswain, said:At 07h55, Friday, 31st May, NSRI Richards Bay duty crew were activated following reports of a 21 foot commercial fishing ski-boat capsized 1.5 nautical miles off Mtunzini main beach with 6 crew onboard.Our sea rescue craft Spirit of Round Table II was launched along with our rescue vehicle. IPSS ambulance service, the SA Police Services and a Police Search and Rescue unit and the Fire and Rescue Services responded.On arrival on the scene it was initially suspected 2 of the 6 crew who were on the boat when it reportedly capsized were still missing and 4 crew were on the shore. Sadly 1 crew member, a 41 year old local man, was confirmed to be deceased.It was then confirmed that the 2 men who were reported to be missing were both safe ashore bringing all crew on board to be accounted for.2 of the 5 survivors were transported to hospital by ambulance and they are in stable conditions.SAMSA (South African Maritime Safety Authority) were on the scene and an investigation into the cause of the incident, in cooperation with the SA Police Services, to determine the cause of the boat capsizing and Police have opened an inquest docket.The body of the deceased man was taken into the care of the Forensic Pathology Services and NSRI, Police and the emergency services express Condolences to family, friends and colleagues of the deceased fisherman.NSRI righted the capsized boat at sea and towed the casualty boat ashore. It has been taken into the care of Police and SAMSA officials who are investigating the cause of the incident.TO REPORT A SEA RESCUE EMERGENCY DIAL 112 FROM A CELLPHONE